Belfast Takes First Step Toward Becoming Home to Northern Ireland’s First Accredited Blueway

A new feasibility study has identified the potential for Belfast’s waterfront to develop the first accredited Blueway in Northern Ireland and the first urban Blueway on the island of Ireland, positioning the city as a leading destination for waterfront recreation, tourism and regeneration.

Commissioned by Maritime Belfast Trust, after being identified as a key project within the Belfast Promenade Framework, the Belfast Waterfront Urban Blueway Feasibility Study explores how Belfast’s waterfront could be transformed into a connected network of accessible water-based experiences, linking heritage, recreation, nature and tourism. A Blueway would create opportunities for activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, heritage trails and wildlife exploration, while enhancing public access to the River Lagan and strengthening Belfast’s position as a world-class waterfront destination.

The study highlighted water quality as the most significant challenge to delivery. Current water quality levels of the River Lagan do not yet support the safe, on-water experiences that are central to an accredited Blueway offering. Through the work of the Belfast Waterfront Task Group, influential stakeholders, including government departments, landowners and Belfast City Council, recognise this challenge and are committed to working collaboratively to address it, acknowledging that improving water quality will require sustained long-term investment and partnership working.

Kerrie Sweeney MBE, CEO of Maritime Belfast Trust said “This feasibility study represents an important first step in exploring how Belfast can reconnect communities with the waterways that shaped its history, while unlocking new opportunities for regeneration, recreation and environmental improvement. While improving water quality will require long-term collaboration and investment, international examples such as Copenhagen show what can be achieved through sustained partnership working.”

Chris Scott, Blueway Programme Manager, Blueway Partnership said “Belfast’s waterfront has all the ingredients needed to become an outstanding urban Blueway. While current water quality presents a significant challenge, it is hugely encouraging to see how the ambition for a Belfast Waterfront Blueway is already helping to drive important conversations and collaboration around long-term environmental improvement. With sustained partnership working, there is real potential to transform the River Lagan into a vibrant asset for recreation, tourism and local communities.”

Sheena Dickson, Tourism NI said “Tourism NI welcomes the proposal to create a Blueway in one of our most iconic locations. Our waterways hold a unique opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature, and our local people, who can really bring this area to life.  79% of our visitors tell us that exploring new landscapes is the most influential factor in selecting their destination, with 46% looking for fun experiences when they are there. The Blueway has the opportunity to link visitor experiences, further enforcing Belfast as a vibrant city to stay and play in.”

Alongside the longer-term vision, the study highlights a number of potential early-stage projects that could help build momentum, including opportunities linked to Clarendon Dock and McConnell Weir and Lockhouse.

The findings of the study were presented at a stakeholder workshop hosted by Maritime Belfast Trust, bringing together key representatives from across government, tourism, environmental agencies and waterfront stakeholders to explore the study’s recommendations and agree the next steps needed to progress toward Stage One Preliminary Accreditation.

If delivered the Belfast Waterfront Blueway would represent a transformational addition to the historic waterfront, reconnecting people with the River Lagan while creating new recreational, environmental and economic opportunities for future generations.

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